I remember seeing this type of blog post on Sharon Mundia’s blog about 5 years ago. It struck me as something I would like to do, especially since it would be a lovely journal-type storage of my thoughts that I could refer back to years down the line. So here it goes, my March Taking Stock list.
Making: the most of the time I have left in my community health rotation. It’s been really fun being out in the field, visiting patients and seeing the personalized patient care that goes on outside the hospital, especially with palliative care. The joy of community is palpable; for example the family of an elderly gentleman we visited insisted that we couldn’t leave without having lunch. It was heartwarming as he had late stage prostatic cancer that had metastasized to his spine, yet he stood up to help his wife serve us and wash our hands.
Eating: lots of food! Just came from a surgical society conference at Pride Inn Paradise Mombasa and I admit, I may have had one too many plates of sumptuous food off the buffet. I hope to recreate a beetroot and cucumber salad I had while there today…I dream of that food daily!
Drinking: my favourite juice, Go Fruit Mojito. Not too sweet or sour. The perfect blend of flavour, especially when ice chilled. I was told it’s apparently used as a chaser but the only thing I’m chasing is after the Lord!😅
Reading: The Unhurried Life by Alan Fadling. The constant working and feelings of never-ending striving made it a suitable book to look out for. Thankfully my boyfriend got a physical copy for me to delve into. Hoping to learn a few things about rhythms of rest from it.
Wanting: to eat a brownie. God knows where I got this craving from but wheeew, I might buy some baking chocolate just to make some for myself.
Playing: Never settle for less by Khaya Mthethwa. The song has the simplest lyrics but the depth moves me to tears. So much truth in Khaya’s ad lib; ”It’s time that we find ourselves in you Lord. We will not settle for sickness /disease/pain/ a broken heart/depression.” A huge amen to that!
Creating: an ocean themed PowerPoint on women in medicine for a knowledge drop session/talk as an Osmosis Regional Lead. I’m feeling a bit scared about how the session will go but I’m hopeful. (Update; the session went well! Had such great interaction from the attendees. You can find the recording of the session here )
Wishing: I had week long holidays each month for travelling. I just came from a week of travel (Bomet – Kisumu – Kakamega – Kisumu – Nairobi – Mombasa -Nairobi – Bomet) that looks like a crazy itinerary but it was oh so thrilling!
Enjoying: playing the board game ‘Kenya at 50‘ in a group setting. The competition is exhilarating; seeing players struggling not to directly translate words or seeing them screaming out when the time is out for another team is really funny!
Loving: the season of reduced anxiety and worry that I have been in. Learning momentary contentment is saving me hours I’d have spent thinking up the million things that could go wrong and instead, just live in the now.
Hoping: to commit to myself a lot more. I seem to be honoring my commitment to others faithfully yet not living up to promises I make to myself with the same seriousness. eg. I have postponed putting out this blogpost for the past 10 days since March ended for no other reason than fear. Of what? I’m not sure… but it needs to get out the door!
Marveling: at the strength of mothers. The patience to instruct and faithfulness to daily care fascinates me. Motherhood is indeed a calling.
Smelling: my favorite body lotion, gifted by my brother Adrian called ‘A thousand wishes’ by Bath and Bodyworks. It smells like pastries in heaven. Was surprised that he knew what exactly I’d like. It’s notes are ‘ Pink Prosecco, Crystal peonies (my fav flowers!) and Amaretto creme. To be honest, I recognize only the peonies on that list…hehe!
Wearing: my rose gold Enkata watch with such joy! I love the fact that it’s a Kenyan brand that has carved its niche for elegant and sleek watches among many other brands in the country and globally too. Did I mention their customer service is A-one ? I went to get my watch strap shortened and they were really swift and professional with the work. It was done in a jiffy! Plus they have a lifetime supply of battery changes! Super cool.
Remembering: the IWD All-women Orchestra concert . Wasn’t able to play in it this year coz of you know, crazy internship hours at the hospital and being away from Nairobi , but I am so glad I attended.
Following: each episode of Sweet Magnolias Season 2 closely. I really don’t want to finish the season. I binge watched season 1 during the Covid lock down and waited an entire 2 whole years for the next season. The sweet story of friendships among powerful women, sprinkled with feel good romance…right down my alley!
Noticing: that unfortunately, mass media gives a lot of biased news. Trying to look for all sides of a story before jumping to conclusions based on what the news headlines say. eg. a local newspaper reported that the government had banned feeding bottles for babies yet that was nowhere near the truth. It may take extra effort, but I’d rather do my due diligence as most news topics are more sensational than educative.
Knowing: that life is a journey with each one of us at different points of it, has somewhat helped lessen my comparison. This was taught to me by my friend, Ron, who was mentoring me in saxophone. He reminded me that if I decide to focus on the peak rather than the daily rock (ie. daily practice), I will lose sight of the journey up the mountain, yet that’s what matters most.
Bookmarking: some lovely dresses that I’d like to buy from an online clothing store called Cider. I find it hard to shop online, so its a huge leap for me, but I love fashion and sure do enjoy frolicking around in pretty dresses!
Opening: some of my obstetrics books for the first time in 2 years as I prep to go into my ObsGyn rotation. It’s really to try build my confidence as I feel like I have forgotten a lot of that material since we did it in 5th year.
Giggling: at the Joyride podcast. How Ben Cyco speaks is naturally funny and with his now wife, Wanjiru, we get to see this in deep, thoughtful conversations. Sweet!
Feeling: calm. The waves of my life are ebbing up and down but there’s some stillness from God that I can’t complain about.
Lovely month to you!
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26: 3
This is flowery, like taking a walk down a garden/ orchard, taking in different sights, smells and tastes. The approach to the month’s recap is spot on
May April be a beautiful one too